Which self-defence weapons are legal, and which are illegal? In this short video lesson I explain how to think about weapons and the law when it comes to protecting yourself.

It is one of the most common questions I get, and it matters. Getting it wrong can turn you from the victim into the person facing charges.

The Law Comes First

Laws on weapons are different from country to country, and sometimes from state to state, so always check the law where you live. That said, some general principles apply in many places.

Many countries strictly control carrying anything made or adapted to injure people. In the UK, for example, carrying an offensive weapon in public without good reason is an offence, and wanting it for self-defence is generally not accepted as a good reason. Other places allow certain items with conditions. The point is that you cannot assume.

Reasonable Force

Whatever you use, the law in most places asks whether the force you used was reasonable in the circumstances. That generally means it was needed to protect yourself or others, and it was proportionate to the threat you faced.

Pulling out a weapon to deal with a minor threat is very unlikely to be seen as reasonable. And a weapon can be taken from you and used against you.

Everyday Objects

What you have on you can be very different from a weapon you carry for the purpose. Keys, a bag, a coat or a rolled-up magazine are ordinary items. In a genuine emergency, people do use what is to hand. How you use it, and why, is what the law will look at.

My advice is simple:

  • Do not carry anything for the purpose of hurting someone
  • Know the law where you live and where you travel
  • Remember that any force must be reasonable
  • Make escape your first goal

Your Best Weapon

The most reliable self-defence tools are the ones you cannot leave at home: awareness, good decisions and simple, effective skills. Knowing how to take someone's balance and hit the right target at the right angle is legal to learn, goes everywhere with you and cannot be taken off you.

Take It Further

The Pressure Point Self Defense Course teaches empty-hand skills built for real situations. If you work in security or law enforcement, the PPDT Online Course covers control options for your job.